femme fatale. @carewhittcker-blog - Tumblr Blog

NOLAN.

Nolan barely heard her, or even registered that she had talked, but when he did, he found himself absolutely floored. All she had to say was ‘Okay?’ After the outburst he’d had? After irrationally blaming her for not only something that she couldn’t control, but then trying to lie about it on top of screaming at her about his ex-girlfriend? It didn’t make sense to him. His brows furrowed deeply at her, not speaking as he was simply unsure how to even respond. Was she being understanding, or was there more coming? He couldn’t tell, and that thought alone frightened him. To make it even worse, if the rest of the group found out about this, they’d surely have his head for it. Yelling at Caroline unprompted and blaming her about Molly practically? Jess had already chastised him once when he had ignored Caroline in a meeting, he couldn’t have her finding out about this on top of it.

When her kindness continued, and she was wiping away his tears, Nolan’s eyes widened considerably. His head shook, unsure where to go with this, unsure even how to accept the generosity she was showing him about the whole thing. His jaw simply stayed slack, tears drying up slightly, as he was stunned by her and her words. Let someone take care of you for a change.

You’re not alone.

After a few seconds of stillness, just staring, he finally moved his body towards her. His hand touched hers on his face, clasping it and feeling electricity along with warmth spike through his entire system. He had to stop himself from shaking as he did so. Bringing her hand down to hold it gently, he swallowed, “You don’t have to do this. Believe me– I…” he looked to the floor. He was struggling. “I have to be strong for us. I have to, Care. You all depend on me. She was who…took care of me.” he looked off into the distance then as he remembered the many times she’d showed up to the station with treats for him and sat and showed him stupid videos or just let him relax and watch her put on makeup. The times she’d forced him to get out of bed to go shopping with her, and ended up picking out an outfit much better than what he’d considered. Nights crying about Thiago. “I’m sorry.” he said quietly, meeting her eyes again.

It wasn’t very hard to get a read on the reaction playing out across Nolan’s face from only a few inches away. The fact that she hadn’t retaliated, as was her right, stunned him speechless. Honestly, she was a little surprised, herself. Caroline wasn’t well known for holding her tongue or schooling her emotions. Passionate, impulsive, and straight forward almost to a fault she said what was on her mind without restraint. Sometimes that got her into more trouble than she bargained for, but other times? It ended up being exactly what was needed.

“You’re right,” she agreed, only pausing long enough to dampen her lips, “I don’t have to do this.” She could walk out the door and Nolan wouldn’t be able to hold it against her; she didn’t have to be there but--- “I’m doing it because I want to.” Really it was as simple as that. If she was standing there fitting the slender digits of her hand between the empty spaces of his it was because she made the active choice to stay.

Then again, maybe it wasn’t entirely a voluntary act. Her body seemed to be operating without her brain because Care hadn’t even noticed the way she interlocked their grips until the heat of his skin registered beneath the stroke of her thumb. Heart stutter skipping a beat she swallowed against the prickle of awareness suddenly coursing through her body. Now that she was finally seeing a different side of Nolan she was beginning to realize him being genuine was far more dangerous than any deadly glares he could shoot across the room.

Obviously distracted she murmured, “Sorry for what?” before blinking away the dazed look from her eyes. “You mean for hurting? For being honest? This guy...” dropping her gaze she let it linger over him from head to toe, “he makes sense to me. More sense than the one who shut me out. Don’t ever apologize for being yourself.” Getting trapped again in his stare she carefully withdrew her hand, only to have instinct place both at his shoulders. “Nobody can... replace her, but I meant it when I said you’re not alone.” Care’s skilled fingers began gently working out the knots of tension coiled beneath her touch. “Let somebody help you... let me help you. Tell me what you need.”

#( interactions | nolan. )

DELILAH.

there weren’t many things that delilah wouldn’t do, she was a pretty daring person in all aspects of her life apart from one. she never touched drugs or alcohol. seeing the way her entire family fell apart because of her father’s addiction turned her off of anything that could effect her that way. while she didn’t have any intention of drinking she didn’t want to turn down the other girl’s offer either. she could use a night out at a party, it had been a while since she had gone to one and if anything she might get a hook-up out of it.

“that sounds really fun! i actually don’t drink at all, but i don’t mind going to parties sober,” she told care. “i can be the sober friend who makes sure you don’t go home with someone who’s too gross.” she let an easy smile onto her lips as she looked back at her. it was shaping up to be an interesting evening for delilah, and she was glad to have run into the girl out of the blue. she was someone delilah could see herself actually becoming friends with, though only time would tell if that would actually happen. “but we should definitely meet up before-hand and do our make-up together. i love to see other people’s routines.”

Caroline was nearly ready to retract the suggestion in lieu of something different. It was Delilah's reassurance that held her tongue. They could’ve easily made new plans, all things considered, but if she didn’t mind being around a crowd of drunken classmates then there wasn’t really a need. “Look at is this way,” she teased in a quiet whisper, leaning closer so that her murmurs could trickle toward the other woman’s ear, “if we’re both sober, or at least mostly sober in my case, we’ll actually be able to remember all the wild stories everyone else wants us to forget come morning.” Although she didn’t make a habit of spreading it maliciously ( unless it was well deserved ) Care loved a bit of juicy gossip. Even better if she was able to witness it straight from the source.

She was still tittering with a quiet laugh when she pulled back again and removed her phone. “Go ahead and put your number in here,” she instructed while passing it over, “I’ll send you the address and we can figure out a rendezvous time.” Knowing her own habits it’d take a few hours of preparation before heading out. “Just don’t be alarmed if you walk in to a total tornado. I swear I’ll change outfits twenty times before settling one something from within the first five.”

#( interactions | delilah. )

DMITRI.

He nodded eagerly, all too ready to accept her excuse about flu season. He had heard an uncomfortable number of coughs while he was sulking around town, so if he had to guess, she wasn’t wrong. As she took the paper back from him, his now-empty hand hung in the air between them for a few seconds. He curled his fingers into a fist and dropped it to his side, not in anger, but an attempt to control his nerves. He focused on his balled-up hand, squeeing it tighter and tighter as he fought to keep his composure around her —and to pretend he didn’t know who ‘her’ was.

Dimitri nodded as he spoke, and his answer to her question flew out of his mouth before he had the chance to think about what he was saying.

“Oh, I actually grew up here so I know my way around pretty—”

He paused as his words caught up to him, before finishing his sentence.

“—Pretty well. Yeah.”

Dmitri wasn’t somebody Caroline knew particularly well growing up, which could be said for the vast majority of her other classmates, but she’d never felt wary of him. Not until now, at least. Her gaze refused to budge from the way his now idle fingers went from gripping her paper to gripping a fist. He didn’t make a big show of it, of course, but her brain had a tendency to latch onto little details like that. She was still staring when his comment caught her off guard. Sure, she knew he grew up here, but she hadn’t been expecting him to admit as much.

“Oh---” mouth parting with a hint of surprise, something that lent a little bit of unintentional credibility to her ruse of not recognizing him, she forced out a chuckle--- “did you really?”

Truth be told she paid far more attention to her peers than they probably realized back in school, but maybe the common assumptions about her character would lend her next lie some favors. “I feel awful now for not realizing that sooner, but I have a terrible memory.” Right on cue she unleashed a sheepish smile. “Looks like you won’t be needing my directions, though.”

A voice in the back of her head told her to leave it at that, but she was nothing if not curious to a fault. Care couldn’t stop from asking, “Are you... just coming back after some time away?”

#( interactions | dmitri. )

followthenolan

MYSTERY INC. NAME MEANINGS.

caroline – free woman

guadalupe – from wolf’s river

harper – harp player

jace – healer

jessica – one who can foresee

matias – gift of god

nolan – noble

parker – park keeper

#( the world only likes pretty girls when they smile ▪️ inspiration. )#( those pesky meddling kids ▪️ mystery inc. )#THIS IS BEAUTIFUL

WEST HOLLOW MARCH TASK | OPTION 002.

"I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for agreeing to this interview today, Caroline. I know your schedule has been busy lately."

Adjusting in her seat Caroline's amber gaze flicked forward for a moment, coinciding with the slip of a smile. "Yeah--- working two jobs on top of class in between can get pretty hectic, but I was happy to meet up with you. I'll admit it's a little strange to find myself on the opposite end of an interview, though."

#westhollowtask #( ▪️ task. )#the formatting on this keeps going all wonky and i have no idea why...#anyways... oops on me bc i meant to finish/post this sooner #but the hiatus and then the holidays made me forget all the things

JESS.

Despite the quick thought cast towards Thiago, the only member of Mystery Inc. still around since the Way Back When days that wasn’t her or Jace, and yet dead… Jess then brushed it off quickly for Caroline’s amusement. It was kind of nice, having someone around who wasn’t exactly privy to just how much being in such a gang took from you yet. Caroline’s light and love and all round encouragement made Jess remember the good old days when she and Jace had found all of this fun and exciting, not terrifying and disheartening. “We’d make a pretty good ghost duo, to be honest.” Jess cast at her then with a point in the redhead’s direction. “Like that ancient Hilary Duff movie except we’re both Casper.” She smiled smugly.

“Mmmm. So much effort. Like whose sexuality am I going to bamboozle today?” Jess rose her hands and crossed her eyes in faux contemplation, mocking her friend but not maliciously so. Between all the laughter and the jokes, Jess made sure Caroline knew how she felt about her. About how much she appreciated her, and how much she thought she’d bring to Mystery Inc. that they absolutely needed. It had nothing to do with her flawless height or cherry bomb lip gloss, although these were arguably factors. Jess liked Caroline for Caroline… and also because she looked like a college phase she would have probably had, had she ever actually gone to college. Making a noise and then shrugging, Jess picked at her straw collection. “Should say that a little louder for the sups in the back, maybe they’ll play to our advantage and try it as a way of torture.” She smirked then, darting a look up at Caroline mischievously.

At the new tangent, Jess sighed, trying to keep on the same casual front she’d kept on for the last week despite how she felt about as emotionally fragile as a piece of china. In the wrong hands, she was bound to shatter. Or perhaps, in the right. “Honestly? Maybe. At the rate we’re going, I think I accidentally hooked Matty up with my cousin. Parker’s into my witch friend Phe and then I mean… maybe one of these days Jace and I will do more than just play Nintendo and nerd out over Conspiracy shows on Netflix.” She joked, looking over at Caroline. “I mean if we can’t find someone for you for the ultimate… quadruple date… then we’re shit out of luck, huh?”

There used to be a time in her life when Jessica’s comment wouldn’t have held so much weight. A time when the idea of ghosts and hauntings were mere figments of her admittedly overactive imagination. Now Caroline knew better, even if she was still playing catch up to the rest of the group. While she was appreciative that she finally had real first hand accounts instead of having to pour over sketchy online forums and articles from questionable sources she also knew their stories weren’t earned easily. It was a delicate balancing act of trying to remain her usual lighthearted self without veering off the edge of being flippant and disrespectful about all they’d seen and lived through. Letting the topic slide to the background she focused instead on Jess’s latter comment.

“Always the question of the hour,” Care playfully agreed with molten honey in her voice as she scanned the other bodies scattered throughout the diner. “He looks tempting,” using the end of her straw she gestured toward the broad back of a guy their age seated at the counter, “or even her...” Trailing off she flicked the slender tube toward the smiling waitress serving him. For now, however, her picks were hardly serious. The only thing on her brain was a massive offering of cheese fries--- not clandestine encounters in the back alley. Smirking with eyes full of laughter she mimicked the shrug, “Or maybe I should just keep it to myself. I could get credit for making Velveeta the whipped cream of 2018 if you get what I mean.”

To her credit Caroline tried to stay serious, but soon enough she gave herself away. “I’m kidding--- I’m kidding.” After wheezing out a round of giggles she eventually settled down enough to pay attention. “Everybody’s pairing off,” she mused. “I’m starting to feel like that one contestant leftover at the end of a bad ABC dating show spinoff.” But it’s not like she actually cared. Sculpted brows furrowing she flicked a glance to Jess’s face before shaking her head. “You know me. I don’t do dates.” And by that she meant the serious kind. Entertaining a conquest for the evening was one thing, but allowing herself to pursue somebody for real? Forget about it. Her heart was only a hopeless romantic for anybody that wasn’t herself. Catching genuine feelings ruined her mother’s life; she refused to fall victim to that particular family curse. “I’m more than willing to orchestrate the outfits and the occasions, but other than that I’m sitting on the sidelines.”

#( interactions | jess. )

NOVA.

At her not so subtle implications about Carreau Nova let a nervous air settled over her, let her smile falter for just a moment before it got even brighter. She laughed and the sound was awkward, a little forced “oh, I suppose.” Playing the helpless human caught up in a world too big and too dangerous was always hilarious. specially with other actually helpless humans falling victim to the lie. “But he seems to like me well enough, I get by fine. Think it’s because I’m good at catching little spats like yours before they get out of control.”

And really that part was true, she dealt with the more human and unpredictable elements of the club, while her dad sat in the back dealing with finances and suppliers and stuff. He did occasionally call her into the office to be a pretty face for particularly obstinate and stubborn clientele who turned to putty in her hands. “No problem. It’s such a dick move though, honestly.” Nova scoffed “and in this club? I’ll make sure the bouncers keep an eye out for him in future.” He’d be getting back in of course, but Care didn’t need to know that.

“My parents.” She answered, the lie well practiced and thought out in preparation for that sort of question “they’re divorced, my dad is here and my mom- well, she’s moved around California a lot the last few years. Artist.” She wrinkled her nose a little, shook her head “so I was sorta splitting my time between them both but I got really sick of all the back and fourth and I got offered the job here, so..”

Caroline tried to discreetly study the other woman’s reaction through the mirror, but to her credit she played it off well. Either she was a brilliant actress or she was truly just another unsuspecting human who’d unfortunately wound up in a town full of monsters. Her too large heart wanted to believe it was the latter, but common sense told her not to let her guard down. That’s the only way you could survive these days. “In that case, I’d say this place is lucky to have you.”

The mask of polite warmth never slipped from her features as Care finished up with her tasks. Fresh coats of mascara darkened her already thick lashes, a layer of ruby red slicked across her lips, and any trace of smeared makeup was erased. By the time she was through it was nearly impossible to tell she’d been doused in liquor just minutes before. “No matter how hard you try to chase them out vermin like him always seem to weasel their way back. I think that’s a universal problem.” Capping the tube of lipstick still poised in her grasp she chuckled. “Hopefully you have better luck, though.”

Although this would’ve been the perfect time to make a hasty exit back to the crowded floor of the club she found herself spinning on the stool to merely face Nova, instead. “I know what that’s like,” one pale hand flicked through the air, “the whole divided family thing, I mean.” Technically she’d never had any relationship with her father, but that was neither here nor there. “You’re probably better off just sticking to one place.” Giving a curious tilt of her head, her stare seeming more innocent than intentionally prying, Caroline began to smile. “How are you liking it so far? Is it the same as you remember?”

#( interactions | nova. )

DELILAH.

“journalism?” delilah asked with a raised eyebrow. having a journalist as a friend in a town like west hollow would definitely prove useful to delilah, especially if the girl already knew about the supernatural. she would get all the news first, and sometimes she would even be the one out there finding out the truth and reporting it. “sounds like you have it all figured out, then. i’m definitely jealous.” she said with a tiny smile.

it didn’t say much for delilah’s character that her immediate reaction to care asking her what she was doing later that night was to be defensive and skeptical. if her status as a fairy hadn’t prevented her from it she probably would have lied and said she was busy, but she truly wasn’t. “no, actually. i don’t have anything going on. did you have something she wanted to do?” the best way to become friends with people was to spend time with them, and this girl seemed like she’d be the most bearable to hang out with. she was interested in make-up, didn’t make delilah want to bash her face in, and was actually pretty attractive too. “i’d love to get to know you a little bit better,” she said sweetly, “i haven’t made a ton of close friends in west hollow yet.”

Caroline nearly released a soft, delicate snort at the comment. Most days she wasn’t sure which way was up or down let alone what direction her life should be taking. Her career was one of the only exceptions. “I’ve always loved stories,” she began to explain as a warmth radiated across her face, “and as I got older that carried over to the stories of the people around me.” Shoulders rose in a graceful shrug before she finished, “I guess I was just destined to be a curious creature.” Sometimes that was a good thing, other times not so much...

Her eyes carefully watched the play of emotions across Delilah’s features before the blonde finally admitting to being free. “Well, that’s about to change.” Not that she could assume so quickly that they were on the fast track to friends, but she wouldn’t count her out just yet. “There’s a party tonight that I was planning on going to, but I’d really rather not go alone. Why don’t you come with?” The invitation spilled easily from her lips as Care pressed into another smile. “We can get dolled up and go have a few drinks--- get to know each other, like you said. I swear if it’s boring we can ditch and go find something better to do with our time.”

#( interactions | delilah. )

ALEX.

The sounds of her tuts and sighs were met by more chuckles. Alex was too drunk to give a damn about what she thought or what anyone else thought for that matter.

His eyes rolled as she spoke, bored already of her drone and she has said about three words. Where had everyone’s sense of humor gone? He was doing them a service by tripping these idiots up and yet, here he was on the end of some self appointed princesses tirade. She could batt those pretty eyes all she wanted but Alex was in no mood for the self righteous judgement coming that also came from them.

“Look - how the hell am I supposed to know, lady? It’s nothing to do with me, so how about you leave me alone?” It was harsh but she had no right to come over and bother him. “Whose to say you aren’t to blame, huh?”

Her presence, or more likely her comments, aggravated him. It was plain to see in the way the male’s eyes gave a distinct roll before settling away from her face. Good. While it hadn’t been her intent to slither beneath his skin Care didn’t feel bad for it. Served him right for preying on innocent pedestrian’s solely for his own amusement. That’s what’d happened--- she was sure of it.

Nonetheless, truly provoking him wasn’t going to do her many favors. Tittering out a silken chuckle at his bored theatrics she moved closer until the opposite side of his bench was claimed by her slight frame. “For someone already deep into a bottle you’d think you’d be less tense.” On the inside her stomach roiled, but Care let a teasing light spark inside of amber hues when they flicked back over his features.

“Seems to me like you could use some help fixing that,” the tips of her manicured fingers balanced against the hollow of her throat before lazily trailing lower, “and I can always use a drink.” Care’s phone started buzzing inside of her bag, pulling away her focus for a moment, but when her gaze returned to his face she was back to smirking. “You seem like far more interesting company than who I’m supposed to be meeting, but if you’re serious about wanting to stare at the sidewalk alone I’ll let you have your way.”

#( interactions | alex. )

DMITRI.

Dimitri’s face went beet-red in an instant, and he was unable to form a full sentence, even in his head. His mouth bobbed open and shut, and his hand rubbed the back of his neck in a self-soothing motion. He recognized her, all right, and he knew what she knew —he was supposed to be DEAD. But God, did he hope she didn’t recognize him. He was practically no one in high school, no one that somebody like Caroline Whittaker should remember all these years later. She was never mean to him, but that didn’t mean anything any more.

When she gestured to the paper at his feet, he let out a little noise of recognition, and the hand behind his neck shot out to gesture at it. Following suit, he bent down to pick it up and held it out to her. When he looked at her again, it no longer made him blush —but a burning thirst in the back of his throat FLARED UP, and he caught a whiff of her with the breeze.

“Oh, God I—”

He turned away from her, hoping to pass it off as if he was embarrassed or nervous, which wouldn’t be a long shot for him. Again, he took to clearing his throat before he turned back to her.

“Sorry, uh… Didn’t wanna cough on your research.”

Being observant was in her nature, and Caroline began to catalog each tiny shift in his features as Dmitri went from an alarming shade of red to fumbling and outright looking away. Startled, nervous, decidedly uncomfortable... If she thought he didn’t recognize her his reaction proved otherwise. Nobody got that far on edge from bumping into a stranger. Her mind was moving a mile a minute, trying to piece it all together, but it’s not like she could just come out and ask what the hell was going on.

For now Care decided the best course of action was to keep her features mannequin blank. Until she could piece together the puzzle in front of her playing dumb was her ticket to safety. The sound of his earlier snarl was still playing on repeat.

“Oh, that’s fine!” She chirped, spreading into another wide smile as her fingers closed in on the sheet of paper. “I know how nasty the flu season has been lately, so it’s appreciated.”

Tucking that last piece of of her research notes back in with the rest she subconsciously shifted a step back on the sidewalk. Call it survival instinct. Putting distance between herself and where he stood made her feel better, even if logic told her it wouldn’t make much of a difference. If Dmitri crossed over that line between human and supernatural chances were he had the upper hand.

“You should probably see a doctor if you’re not well, though.” Really, Caroline? That’s what you chose to go with? She wasn’t even sure why it slipped out, but after a second of thought she realized it actually worked in letting him believe she didn’t have a clue who he was. “I’d be happy to recommend a great physician in town if you’re not familiar with the area yet.”

#( interactions | dmitri. )

SERENE.

Embarrassment tends to come in threes, and so as she lifted from the position and rubbed the forming bruise on her backside, her eyes caught Caroline there.

Oh, I know her, she knows me. Is there a hole around, gonna crawl in that…

Even as her mind tried to bring her down further she lifted her chin and squared her shoulders, trying to look like a battered puppy and more like a woman who knew she screwed up but hoped to the gods that it didn’t form into any lasting damage, either to her person or her image.

“Yeah, bruise to the pride and my tailbone, but it was my own fault really.” Serene was never one to blame someone else for the things that went wrong for her, it just always felt sort of childish to find a way to foist your own responsibilities off on someone else; even in regards to something so simple as falling down, “In all honesty I didn’t expect to see you there, it was a bit startling. I’m used to people watching but… it’s rarely anyone I know.”

A hand came up to rub against the back of her head, almost sheepish, before offering Care a smile, “How are you anyway? I mean besides knocking me on my ass without meaning to?”

They were friendsly, it was bordering on being friends but they hadn’t had enough interaction outside of work to be more than acquaintances, but it seemed like today would change that.

A gentle, sympathetic smile began to spread across her lips. Whether Selene agree or not Caroline felt at least partly to blame. “I’ve always loved watching the dancers whenever I have a chance to stop by,” she explained as her gaze drifted back to what little bit of the main studio she could see, “I used to dance myself, so it’s kind of close to my heart.”

It’d been years since she actually participated, though. Long enough that she was certain she’d end up on her backside even without the added distraction of spectators standing near the windows. “For what its worth I thought you looked lovely out there.”

Again, there went her signature smile, one that was full of warmth and entirely unrestrained. “I didn’t even realize that this was something you’re into.” Then again, did she really know much about Serene? Taking a quick second to think about it she realized she didn’t. So far all of their conversations at work stayed this side of the casual border.

“I’m doing good today--- just finished up with a few assignments for school so I figured I’d catch a bite to eat before the rest of my night went crazy.” There used to be a time when most of her evenings were just spent at home, sat behind her computer, but those days were gone. Seeming to think about it for a moment, she eventually wondered, “What are you doing after this? You hungry?” Sculpted brows waggling with playful enthusiasm Care began to laugh. “I could always use some company, and dinner will be on me. It’s the least I can do after all of this.”

#( interactions | serene. )

NOVA MANNING.

Of course there wasn’t that much harm a human could do backstage. Anything truly devious or supernatural was hidden well out of sight, only accessible to those who needed it. Like the training center, hiding in plain sight and still not one hapless human could ever accidentally wander in. And she’d take the wrap if her dad got all prissy about someone being back here when they weren’t supposed to be, he could never stay mad at her for too long.

He would be really mad at her if she killed someone back here though, would be a pain in the ass to get all the blood out of the upholstery. But still Nova was tempted by the idea. All alone, and humans had such mediocre defenses. She could squish her eyeballs, light her hair on fire and trap her in a corner until she was all burned up, pull her joints out the sockets and listen to her scream.

But like with Lupe before her that was too short a game, so Nova settled herself in one of the nearby chairs, touching up on face powder and fluffing up her hair. “Alastor doesn’t have a comment box” she laughed softly “but you could always send an email if you’re that committed, might win me brownie points with the boss.” As if she needed them. “Actually I didn’t introduce myself, and I apologize because that’s really rude of me. Name’s Nova, I’d say it’s nice to meet you but the circumstance doesn’t seem appropriate.” It wasn’t that surprising that they’d never crossed paths before, she’d kept her presence in town rather low key, and had of course been back and fourth for quite some time while tracking down family members to murder. “Not new exactly, I’ve drifted in and out over the years but now I’m here to stay.”

In response, Caroline hummed soft beneath her breath. “Absolutely. I’m sure staying on his good side is pretty important, right?” She knew who owned the club and, even more than that, knew some of the things he’d done. Not like she could say as much, of course. Whether the other woman was a perfectly innocent human or something else, coming out with a comment like that wouldn’t do her any favors. “If you don’t keep the boss happy and impressed work is hell.”

Tossing the thin wipe into the nearby trash seated next to the vanity she began dabbing a bit of translucent powder onto a brush. Each light circular stroke that met her cheeks became a means to release some of the tension coiled tight in her stomach. This was perfectly normal. It was fine. Just a little longer and she’d be ready to go. “Don’t worry about the whole drink thing. Honestly, as much as I hate to say it, that’s not the first time it’s happened.” Sure, nobody had ever pitched their vodka directly into her face before, but college boys were notoriously sloppy drunks. Half the time she left a party or a bar covered in something alcoholic. “I’m just really grateful you were willing to help me out. So in a way, it actually is nice to meet you.” Pausing to find her reflection in the mirror Caroline grinned. “I’m Care.”

Finished setting her face she replaced the brush with a tube of dark mascara,carefully twisting the two ends apart. “Oh yeah?” The bristles hovered directly in front of her lashes for a moment before she finally got back to work. “What made you travel so much over the years?” She really wanted to know what made her decide to come back and stay, but that was a question for another time.

#( interactions | nova. )

JESS.

Despite the way that statement made her feel ( like her stomach was going to beat itself to death with a hundred blue butterfly wings ) Jess threw her head back in the most dramatic of groans she could muster, pretending as if Caroline plus manicures equaled the worst possible outcome. “Thankful for those of us bustin’ mysteries, life might just be short enough to escape through one sneaky loophole.” She then pointed, making a silly face in the redhead’s direction. Despite the real severity of the matter, Jess was nothing if not ready to joke about things until they got better.

Snagging a handful of paper-encased straws from the dispenser on the counter on their way in, Jess shot an apologetic look to the waitress, knowing she’d been greedy. But as soon as they neared the booth, Jess was already tearing into one as she flopped down into a seat opposite Caroline, lifting the packet to her lips then and blowing a straw at her playfully.

“Cheese bath? Damn, wow, you almost had me going.” She laughed, tugging at her next straw packet. “Then again, you swear by smearing fruit juice on your face so what real evidence do I have that you’re not marinating in Kraft goodness and keeping them in business, huh? Next to none.” She teased, blowing another straw packet at Caroline fondly.

An audible gasp tore from Caroline’s lips at the comment, but the twinkle in her eye proved she was laughing just as much on the inside. Sometimes you had not choice but to make something that ought to be a little terrifying funny. It was either that or face the fact that the monsters beneath your bed were real and probably game to eat you. “Even then I’d never let you escape me. You’re stuck here and in the afterlife. Might as well fact the facts now.” Dipping in a wink she finished settling in, just in time for the first straw to go sailing across the table.

Swatting at it like a pesky fly Caroline bubbled over with laughter. By now she was used to the way things often went with Jess around. In fact, she’d grown to appreciate and love the quirkiness. “There’s a method to my madness, alright? Just because I was blessed with fabulous genetics doesn’t mean I don’t have to put in some effort.” Normally she wouldn’t say anything that sounded so conceited, it wasn’t in her nature, but it was all a part of their playful dynamic. She had full confidence that the statement wouldn’t be taken seriously. On the other hand, her declaration about the cheese sauce might’ve been. “Make no mistake, if I actually thought there’d be some kind of benefit to drowning in a vat of Mac ‘n Cheese I wouldn’t say no.”

Strawberry pink lips pulling back in a smile she caught the next wad of paper in her hand and crumbled it up to send it right back. “You do realize two can play at this game, right?” Care would give as good as she got. Tapping manicured fingers against the laminated surface of her menu, having given up on pretending to read it, she found the back of the booth with her shoulder blades. "So fill me in. What’s new? Am I ever going to get the green light to raid my closet for the perfect date night outfit?”

#( interactions | jess. )

DELILAH.

delilah let out a small laugh at her statement, “i’m totally with you, i think i have every product urban decay has ever made in my drawer.” it was honestly refreshing to talk to someone about make-up, delilah didn’t really have any friends and most of the time she didn’t mind. she figured she was better off alone anyways, but talking with the girl in front of her about make-up almost made her wish she had a friend she could share things like this with. she pushed the thought away and continued listening to the redhead. “it’s hard for me to see an eye shadow palette and not buy it,” she laughed and pushed some hair behind her ear. if delilah ever let her guard down enough to make a friend she hoped they would be something like the girl she was talking to now.

“communications? what do you think you’ll do with that in the end? i’ve heard that’s a really flexible major, you can do a lot with it.” delilah found that people were more likely to trust her if she asked them questions. everyone loved to talk about themselves, it was just a fact of humanity, and every other species for that matter. “nice to meet you caroline, i’m delilah. it’s nice to talk to someone who actually appreciates make-up as much as i do,” she said, delilah’s smile came without being forced. she surprised herself with the genuine smile, that wasn’t something she found herself doing often. “anyways, thanks for saving my math homework, i would have been screwed without it.”

Caroline’s hands fluttered to fold over her chest. “You’re like a woman after my own heart,” she gushed, the edges of her mouth going wide with another grin. It was rare that she found someone else just as enthusiastic about all the girly things in life like she was. Rare enough that she found herself surprisingly thankful to have run into the other woman in such an unexpected way. Aside from a few glimpses around school she didn’t know the blonde any better than a total stranger, but she got the impression they’d get along well if the current conversation was any indication. “I’m almost have tempted to steal you away from wherever you were headed and go to the mall right now.” For the most part her tone was light and teasing, but there was a very real part of Care that meant it.

Nevertheless, she eased into other topics with a spark in her eyes. For as much as she loved talking makeup and clothes she loved discussing her true passions even more. “That’s kind of why I was attracted to it. The possibilities are limitless. I’m hoping to use it to get a start in journalism, though.” Preferably print, if she could manage. “It’s safe to say I’ve also never met a story I didn’t love and want to get to the bottom of.” Curiosity was in her blood. Turning a quick glance toward the stack of papers again she nodded, reinforcing her smile once amber hues drifted back up to Delilah’s face. “It’s nice to meet you, too. I’m glad I could help.” Pausing, she seemed to consider something before adding, “Hey--- this is kind of random, but what are you doing later tonight? Are you busy?”

#( interactions | delilah. )

NOLAN.

Nolan had already made up his mind about her request before she even said it: No. Until she came to his door with a gun to her head at the hands of whatever monster was in this town, he was going to continue to ignore her and what she represented. A part of him did realize how cruel it was on his part, but the other part’s defensive walls about Molly continued to spring up whenever he as much had to think about Care. She was nice enough, helpful enough, but he just couldn’t bring himself to be unbiased. It had been the woman he’d loved, after all.

Continuing to walk inside and hoping she’d shut the door behind her, he let her take a spot on the couch as Egon pranced into the room to see who the intruder was. Taking his spot on the couch next to her and immediately snuggling up, Nolan only had the mind to momentarily glare at the dog before he looked back to her. He had let a minute or so pass in silence, pretending to consider her offer, but once again she caught him off guard and in regret when she spoke. Immediately, his attention was caught, actually looking directly at her and with interest as his brows furrowed. Well, it at least confirmed she had noticed, which Nolan had hoped was less obvious.

Staring at her and glancing at her slender, smooth legs as they crossed, his jaw tightened for a moment as he tried to think of how to approach this. Shaking his head, he finally scoffed out, “You want to know what my deal is? You are.” he spat, “You think a sale at Neiman’s is an emergency. You think you deserve a spot here because you had some blog that was kinda mean to some guys, because you had–” it was then that Nolan’s throat stopped him. It was closing up, because even he knew he was lying.

Turning away from her to look outside at the rustling of bushes and leaves instead, the memory of Molly became ever present. She would confront him like that, fearless and determined. Taking a deep breath in, shutting his eyes tight, he finally turned and gestured his arms out wide in a big display, “You look like her, okay?! You look exactly like her. Molly Mavich, okay? She was here, she was my girlfriend, we were in love and going to get married one day, and now she’s just fucking gone! All I have is some measly fucking note that I’m pretty sure she didn’t even write and some of her shit she left before she supposedly went to California, okay! All I can think about when you’re around is how much I miss her and how she’s probably rotting in a ditch somewhere because I’m too much of an idiot to stop egging on demons. So, yes, that is my ‘deal,’ and I get that it’s not you, but I let it happen to her and I don’t want to deal with what’ll happen when you go because of me too.” The words tumbled out like vomit, pacing around the room as he shouted out the feelings and tears bubbled into his eyes, streaking down his face.

Crickets--- there might as well have been a whole choir of them chirping in the background as Nolan refused to answer her. In fact, Caroline began to imagine the sound in her head just before his dog trotted into view and claimed the prime seat of her lap. Welcoming the distraction she cooed something low and unintelligible at the animal, rewarding him with a scratch while waiting for Nolan to join the conversation. When he finally broke the silence Care’s head snapped up, eyes gone wide. She knew the joke probably wasn’t the best idea, but hadn’t expected him to take it as a serious black mark against her.

“No,” she immediately interrupted, “I think I deserve to be here because one of those things nearly killed me. Because I’m smart. Because I---” Something about the shift from irritation to outright agony in his eyes cut her argument short. Nolan wasn’t finished, and when he blocked out the room behind the clench of his eyelids she realized none of those things were the real problem at all. This was something something deeper, and seconds later it all began to click into place. Caroline never had a chance to meet Molly, but she heard enough by word of mouth to know they bore a striking resemblance. Until now she’d brushed it off. So what? Did it really matter? To Nolan, if nobody else, it turned out it mattered a lot.

At first his explanation didn’t sit right with her. It wasn’t fair to have something entirely out of her control held against her like that. The heat of resentment flickered within her gaze when she blinked back at the group’s leader. No doubt it was obvious enough for him to catch, but the lick of flames didn’t last long. She understood the concept of loss you couldn’t make sense of, in her own way, but she’d never been in his exact shoes. Wouldn’t be able to imagine how she’d feel if the roles were reversed. Who was she to say he wasn’t entitled to that pain or that he was handling it wrong? Tucking full lips around her teeth she eventually nodded. “Okay.” That was it. That was all. Just like that she processed what he was telling her and accepted it without a fight. At the end of the day he’d given an honest answer which was exactly what she’d asked for.

Normally she would’ve left him alone after that, but each involuntary tear marring his cheeks made something tighten in her chest. Before she could think it through Care was already up and crossing the room. “I can’t apologize for reminding you of her, but I get why it’s hard for you.” After a second of hesitation she reached out, using the pads of her thumbs to lightly stroke away the moisture clinging to his skin. It was the first time she’d ever actually touched him; for a split second his warmth was nearly enough to make her forget why she was doing it in the first place. With a gulp she finally murmured, “It’s okay to feel lost or scared or broken, Nolan... and it’s okay to let somebody in when you do.” Judging by his outburst she had a suspicion he hadn’t talked about this much. “I know you probably think you have to save us all, and I admire you for that, but it’s not your job to shoulder the weight of the world alone. You’re not alone. Just--- let somebody take care of you for a change.”

#( interactions | nolan. )

NOVA.

Messing with strangers was one of Nova’s most consistent pastimes. Most liked to merely observe, but she was too invested in schadenfreude just to let the chips fall where they may. Maximum misery with minimal effort was good for short term enjoyment. So watching the girls’ mascara streak and listening to her wail was quite satisfying but she managed to keep that from showing on her face, instead locking her features into sympathetic concern.

Of course she couldn’t just let people be miserable it was terrible for business so she’d clean up her own mess too. Letting someone wander backstage unaccompanied wasn’t going to happen though, there were far too many things to snoop about back there if you had time. But Nova shrugged and nodded “I suppose that would be okay, I’ll have to come with you though, can’t exactly let a patron wander our halls unsupervised you understand.”

She made a sweeping gesture with her hand, falling into step besides the girl as they made the journey through to the dancers’ room. Nova knew which vanity was her mothers’, and since she rarely passed up an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone she patted the seat in front of that mirror for the guest to take up. “You can use whatever you need, I’ll see to it that things get replaced if need be.” A lie. Her mother wasn’t a threat of course, just another background character to mess with.

Caroline expected as much. Getting access to the parts of the nightclub normally unseen could’ve meant finding something useful to take back to the group, but she knew it’d never happen. And honestly? Knowing what she did about some of the staff Care hardly wanted to venture back even with an escort. For a moment her gaze lingered on the woman’s face, absently wondering if she could trust her. The fact that she couldn’t decide left her with an uneasy knot in the pit of her stomach. This could end up becoming a very big mistake.

Eventually she plastered on a small, seemingly thankful smile and rose from her chair. She was there for a reason and she wasn’t about to back out now. Not when she was so close to getting what she needed. “Of course not,” agreeing with ease she gathered her clutch and followed into the depths of the club. Each step had her on edge, wondering if this was about to be the moment she realized how bad of an idea this actually was, but to her credit she was able to keep her head held high. The brunette wasn’t familiar and, while that meant she needed to be careful, it also meant she could be entirely innocent.

“I really appreciate you letting back here,” While lowering herself in front of her mother’s old vanity she produced another beguiling smile. “I’ll be sure to leave you a glowing review in the comment box.” Actually, she was ninety perfect sure Alastor didn’t even have such a thing, but that wasn’t important. All she needed to do was fix her face and then she could be back out with the rest of the crowd. “What did you say your name was?” She hadn’t given a name at all, Caroline knew that, but given their earlier ‘ introduction ’ it would make sense for it to have happened... and for her to have forgotten. Reaching for a sleeve of makeup wipes she pulled one from the opening and began to erase long tracks of smeared mascara. “I’ll admit I don’t come here all that often, but I’m not sure I’ve seen you before tonight. New to town?”

#( interactions | nova. )

♣ Do they believe the world is made up of good and evil?

To an extent yes. Caroline does believe that both good and evil exist. She’s realistic enough to understand that it’s not always quite so black and white as being strictly one or the other, though. There are exceptions and when it comes to those exceptions she’d like to believe it’s the intention behind your actions that ultimately decides which side they fall on. For example, killing somebody at face value is seen as evil. But what about if it was to save a life? Or, alternatively, doing charity work is always considered a good deed, but what if it was only to better your public image rather than to genuinely help? She’s actually thought about this a lot and so far that’s the best handle she can get on it.

#( whispers in your ear ▪️ asks. )#aubrey-jenkins

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